Mayor Ginther, Council Increase Police Staffing, Park Lighting to Promote Summer Safety
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has sent
legislation to Columbus City Council to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the Fraternal Order of Police allowing additional
overtime for police officers during the summer months. In addition, legislation
has been sent to Council for lights in 22 city parks.
“Summer is traditionally a time of
higher crime, so we need to do all we can to keep our residents safe,” said
Mayor Ginther. “Additional staffing during weekends and well-lit parks are part
of a sweeping plan to prevent crime this summer.”
The MOU will allow the City to pay
sworn Columbus Division of Police officers to work Fridays, Saturdays and
Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It allows up to 40 additional
officers in high-visibility areas to assist regularly scheduled patrol.
“Devoting extra men and women of
the Division in our parks over the summer months is an important piece to the
overall strategy of making sure our residents feel safe to use our parks with
their children, family and friends,” said Councilmember Emmanuel Remy. “The
presence of sworn officers will deter violence, provide reassurance to park
patrons, and allow residents to build and improve connections with our first
responders.”
The MOU is part of a broader plan
to staff CPD through the summer that also includes lateral moves from other
cities, auxiliary and reserve units, and new recruits. More information about
staffing plans will be shared on Thursday.
Summer is also a time for
neighbors and families to gather outside at our parks for picnics and other
activities. Additional temporary lighting will help hinder illegal activities
that might otherwise occur.
The legislation will be taken up
by City Council at its regularly scheduled meeting tonight.